Falls in Young Adults
Original Editor Andeela Hafeez
Top Contributors - Andeela Hafeez, Lucinda hampton, Scott Buxton, WikiSysop, Kim Jackson and 127.0.0.1
Introduction[edit | edit source]
Falls in older people have been characterized extensively in the literature, however little has been reported regarding falls in middle-aged and younger adults.[1] Falls and fall-related injuries are not uncommon in young adults and may be considered a lifestyle issue related to sports and vigorous activity.[2][3]
The reporting of falls increased with age from 18% in young, to 21% in middle-aged and 35% in older adults, with higher rates in women than men. [1]
In the US in 2020, 805 workers died in falls, and 211,640 were injured badly enough to require days off of work.[4]
Risk factors:
- Sport: Among younger people, more than 42% of falls occur while they are engaged in exercise or sports, or while they are running (that is, not running for the purpose of exercise or during a sport; rather, running to catch a bus, for example).[5]
- Young people with impaired gait and balance or medium/severe motor disability appear to be at increased risk of falling, particularly if they are relatively independent and still participating in challenging activities.[6]
- Occupations at elevated heights or other hazardous working conditions. Construction workers are most at risk for fatal falls from height – more than seven times the rate of other industries – but falls can happen anywhere, even at a "desk job."[4]
- Alcohol or substance use[7]
- Multitasking
- Walking aids, wheelchairs and environmental hazards are significant environmental risk factors for people with a neurological condition[8].
Prevention[edit | edit source]
Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, plan ahead, assess the risk and use the correctt equipment. Determine if working from a height is absolutely necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely. Examples of steps taken include;
- Check the work area for potential hazards before commencing the job
- Ensure you have level ground to set up the equipment, placing the ladder on a solid surface, never lean it against an unstable surface
- Never work in inclement weather
- Check the stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open
- Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder
- Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support
- Wear slip-resistant shoes
- Don't stand higher than the third rung from the top
- Don't lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom
- Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use
DIY home projects
You are better getting professional help for risky projects, for example installing siding, gutters or roofs. Don't risk a fall.
- Practice all of the ladder safety tips mentioned above
- Keep the work area clear of hazards and immediately clean up spills
- Read all instructions and safety precautions on your equipment
- Don't wear loose clothing that can get caught in equipment
Fall-proof your home
- Keep floors and surfaces clear of clutter
- Keep file cabinets and desk drawers closed
- Keep electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas
- Install handrails on stairways
- Wear sensible footwear
- Never stand on chairs, tables or any surface with wheels
- Properly arrange furniture to create open pathways
- Maintain good lighting indoors and out[4]
Reference:[edit | edit source]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Graduate School of Nursing, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 1335 East West Highway, Silver Spring, Maryland 20910, USA http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/5/86
- ↑ Cho H, Heijnen MJ, Craig BA, Rietdyk S. Falls in young adults: The effect of sex, physical activity, and prescription medications. PLoS one. 2021 Apr 22;16(4):e0250360.Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8061998/#pone.0250360.ref009 (accessed 6.11.2022)
- ↑ Talbot LA, Musiol RJ, Witham EK, Metter EJ. Falls in young, middle-aged and older community dwelling adults: perceived cause, environmental factors and injury. BMC public health. 2005 Dec;5(1):1-9. Available:https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1208908/ (accessed 6.11.2022)
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 NSC Make Fall Safety a Top Priority Available:https://www.nsc.org/work-safety/safety-topics/slips-trips-falls (accessed 6.11.2022)
- ↑ http://dontfall.ca/falls-when-and-why/
- ↑ Saverino A, Moriarty A, Playford D. The risk of falling in young adults with neurological conditions: a systematic review. Disability and rehabilitation. 2014 Jun 1;36(12):963-77.Available:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09638288.2013.829525 (accessed 6.11.2022)
- ↑ WHO Falls Available:https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/falls (accessed 6.11.2022)
- ↑ http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/09638288.2013.829525